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COMMAND OUTPOST BAGHDADI, Iraq (January 7, 2008) - How many
Marines does it take to secure Baghdadi? Last year, it took an
entire company. Then, as the situation improved, that number
dropped to a platoon. And now, with the onset of 2008, the grand
total is zero.
The Marines of 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine
Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, have completely pulled out of
Command Outpost Baghdadi. Fortunately for local citizens, their
replacements already are hard at work.
In a monumental step toward Iraqi sovereignty, the Baghdadi
police force has taken sole responsibility of security within the
city limits -- the first to do so in all of Anbar Province.
"In the past, battalions were measured on how many battle
positions they established during a deployment," said Marine Lt.
Col. J.J. Dill, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.
"It showed they were moving out into the community, partnering with
(Iraqi security forces) to make things happen. But in this stage of
the counterinsurgency battle, it's not how many we put up, it's how
many we take down."
The transfer of authority comes as a direct result of the
Baghdadi police force's validation, which is determined by U.S. and
coalition forces.
"It's a checklist of where they're at," explained Marine Capt.
Craig T. Douglas, commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th
Marines. "Can they run their own investigations, conduct security
patrols? Are they self-sufficient?"
With their own battle space, the Baghdadi police face their
toughest challenge yet. Douglas said they're ready for the mission.
"They want the bad guys out of here just as much as we do," he
said. "With logistical support from the government of Iraq, they
should be OK."
If the Baghdadi police need emergency assistance, the Marines
won't be far behind.
"We'll still be in an overwatch capacity," Douglas said. "But
they know that, one day, we'll be gone. They'll need to be able to
do things for themselves."
When the new police station is complete, it also will host city
council meetings and other government functions.
"Many people back home think the 'Anbar Awakening' happened
overnight," Dill said. "But where we're at today is the culmination
of four years' worth of hard work and dedication by Marines and
Iraqis, alike. I want this city to stop looking like it's under
siege. This is a huge step toward the return to normalcy."
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